Swarovski Celebrates 130 Years of Hollywood Glamour with “Masters of Light” exhibition
Table of Contents
A dazzling exhibition celebrating Swarovski’s enduring legacy in film adn fashion opened Tuesday evening in Los angeles, drawing a star-studded crowd and marking the brand’s 130th anniversary. The “masters of Light” exhibition, currently on view at a pop-up space in Hollywood, is a retrospective of the crystal house’s collaborations with the entertainment industry, from classic cinema to contemporary pop culture.
The opening party, hosted by Swarovski’s global creative director, Giovanna Engelbert, attracted a glittering guest list including Kylie Jenner, Viola Davis, Baz Luhrmann, Lisa Rinna, Amelia Gray, Emily Ratajkowski, Venus Williams, Laura Harrier, and Jeff Goldblum. The event served as a toast to the brand’s rich history and its continued influence on screen and in popular culture.
From Vienna to Hollywood: A Global Journey
Curated by fashion critic Alexander Fury, the nine-room exhibition has already captivated audiences in Vienna, Milan, Shanghai, and Seoul. The Hollywood iteration has been specifically reimagined with a “la-la-land twist,” highlighting swarovski’s most iconic moments in cinema and pop culture.
Iconic Artifacts on Display
Guests were guided through immersive spaces featuring a breathtaking collection of artifacts. Among the treasures on display were Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz; the famously crystal-encrusted gown Marilyn Monroe wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President Kennedy; a Moschino chandelier dress worn by Katy Perry at the 2019 Met Gala; and a stunning costume from Moulin Rouge! designed by Catherine Martin, recently showcased by Kendall Jenner at Vogue World 2025: Hollywood.
As attendees explored the exhibit, notable figures like Dita Von Teese paused to admire a gown worn by Greta Garbo in her 1933 film, Queen Christina. Costume designers Arianne Phillips and Sandy Powell engaged in lively discussion before Harry Styles’ sequin jumpsuit, while Cher posed in front of a classic Bob Mackie creation originally designed for her.
A Vision for the Future
“For me, it’s always been about celebrating this magical link between Swarovski and the world of performance-fashion, film, stage, and screen,” Engelbert shared, as she surveyed the room. “To bring this story home to Hollywood feels like a dream realized.”
The exhibition’s centerpiece is the Mathemagical room, showcasing the unique couture creations Engelbert oversaw for swarovski’s Met Gala appearances-a testament to her influence since becoming the brand’s first global creative director in 2020.
continuing the Festivity
After admiring Swarovski’s largest-ever crystal stone-weighing approximately 75 kilos-guests continued the festivities at the Living Room, a private members club. Arman Naféei, director of ambiance at the Chateau Marmont, provided the evening’s soundtrack, while attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A Swarovski photo booth, complete with a sparkling tiara effect, provided a playful touch for guests seeking their own “main character moment.”
The “Masters of Light” exhibition underscores Swarovski’s enduring commitment to innovation and its pivotal role in shaping the visual landscape of entertainment for generations to come.
